Jan 19, 2016:NATIVe – A Journey into Indigenous Cinema: out of the Amazon onto the Perennial Ice

With mixed feelings this year’s NATIVe is saying goodbye to last year’s focus on Latin America and welcoming the Arctic as next year’s geographical focus. In the 2016 NATIVe programme, which will bridge the gap between the two editions, one film will represent each of these regions. They will provide the impetus to carry on the journey into the far north.

“Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge of nature and their observations of dramatic changes in the environment which affect all of us are existential issues that play a key role in international Indigenous cinema. The two films in this year’s NATIVe programme explore these topics and in doing so exemplify Indigenous cinema world-wide,” elucidates NATIVe curator Maryanne Redpath. Whether the Amazon or Nunavut (Canadian Arctic region) – these are ecological systems that are endangered due to brutal incursions, colonization and industrialization.

A public discussion “Exploring Perspectives on the Representation of Indigenous Film and Culture” - which will be preceded by the ZDF documentary “Die Indianer kommen!“ Indigene Völker im Humboldt Forum (“The Indians are Coming!” Indigenous Peoples at the Humboldt Forum) - will address questions and positions related to working with Indigenous peoples. Talk participants will include representatives of the Ethnological Museum / Humboldt Forum, and NATIVe as well as ZDF documentary-maker Carola Wedel.Together with its international partners, NATIVe will consolidate its presence at the European Film Market with a stand, thereby creating more visibility for the already successful market-related collaboration.

El abrazo de la serpiente (Embrace of the Serpent) – Colombia / Venezuela / Argentina 2015By Ciro GuerraA deeply emotional tale about the awakening of the most powerful Shaman in the Colombian Amazon from a devoid state. Past, present and future interweave as he sets out on a journey with a Western scientist to find a sacred plant that provides both physical and spiritual healing.

Qapirangajuq: Inuit Knowledge and Climate Change – Canada 2010By Zacharias Kunuk and Ian MauroThe icy regions of the Arctic are endangered. Inuit elders transmit their ancient wisdom and observations about the rising temperatures and their impact on daily life in intimate and compelling conversations.